As South Africa sheds its winter layers and steps into brighter, longer days, spring offers more than just a chance to tidy up our homes. It is an ideal moment to refresh our health and renew our well-being.
“Spring naturally brings a sense of renewal,” says Tania Joffe, the founder of Unu Health.
South Africa steps into brighter, longer days
The founder of Unu Health, Tania Joffe, says the effects of Spring are really profound. This ranges from increased Vitamin D production, to metabolic support as sunlight improves blood sugar regulation, blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health and to being mood enhancing.
Joffe added, “We are more energised, the days are brighter, and it’s easier to get outdoors.”
Why Spring Works for Your Health
Spring has sprung in most parts of South Africa. The seasonal shift from the winter flu surge into spring offers a prime opportunity for preventative health checks, potentially catching silent conditions. This could be high blood pressure or elevated blood sugar, and you can then stop it before it escalates.
“Longer days and more sun are a tonic,” added Joffe.
Heart disease, diabetes, and cancer account for nearly half of all deaths in South Africa
According to the World Health Organisation[i], non-communicable diseases – such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer – account for nearly half of all deaths in South Africa. Around 42.2% of South Africans have hypertension, 10.6% experience elevated blood sugar, and 34% have high cholesterol. One in four adults is obese, and more than half are overweight.
“Taking a little time now can pay off hugely later, because good health should never be a privilege; it should be a right,” says Joffe.
One in four adults is obese, and more than half are overweight
It is no surprise that over 4.2 million South Africans are diabetic, a figure projected to nearly double to 7.4 million by 2045. Diabetes is now the leading cause of death among women and the second leading cause in the general population. Alarmingly, nearly half of diabetics remain undiagnosed. These figures emphasise why routine health checks matter—especially in spring, when we’re poised to make positive, lasting changes.
Your Spring Health-Check Checklist should include:
- Basic Screening: Check blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and BMI.
- Mental Wellness: Spring transitions can impact mood and stress—take a look at how much sleep you are getting, check your stress levels, and your mental health.
- Nutrition: Look at how you are eating and make sure you are including fresh produce and whole foods as far as possible – nutrient-rich meals rather than calorie-rich ones.
- Exercise: Start or recommit to activity—be it walking, biking, or exploring nearby natural spots.
- Set Realistic Goals: Define small, achievable health targets for the months ahead.
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Experts say new habits introduced during life or seasonal transitions are more likely to stick. Spring’s fresh-start energy is a more inviting alternative to ambitious New Year’s pledges.
Introduce new habits
Introducing a new habit in the morning sees a 43% higher success rate, which, when supported by a deliberate plan, further improves success by up to 64%. Motivation is key – getting a baseline set of data against which you set a clear goal will clinch it.
“This isn’t about perfection,” Joffe adds. “It’s about making small, meaningful changes that fit your life – And starting now, when nature itself is on your side.”
